E-couragement: Follow Through

“When you get right down to the root of the meaning ‘succeed,’ you find that it simply means to follow through.”  F. W. Nichol It was 2010 when my wife, Ivy, and I made a commitment during our yearly trek to our vacation mecca—Asheville, NC. This particular trip included a memorable encounter with the inspiring and hyper creative artist Jonas Gerard. After our visit to his gallery, I wrote a blog about the experience and how he had impacted both Ivy and me. Traveling east on I-40, with the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in our rear view mirror, we decided to one day return and purchase our own original Gerard. Two years after that wonderful vacation and nine-months after Ivy’s death, it’s time to follow through.

In the engagement work with my clients we talk extensively about fundamental principles. There’s nothing sexy about fundamentals. As a matter of fact, they can be downright boring. Yet it’s in the midst of applying certain fundamental principles that change happens and success occurs. One of those principles is follow through (yep, nothing sexy about that). Simply put, follow through is acting upon what you already know to do.

When your commitments lack follow through there’s often a common language pattern. It sounds like, I certainly should… I would do that if… If I could I’d… The proverbial shoulda, woulda, coulda. When you are determined to follow through on your commitments the language is quite different. It sounds more like, I am... As in, I am coaching my direct reports each month. I am listening more intently to my children. I am asking for and receiving feedback. See the difference? Language can reveal your true intent. The language of follow through is powerful and action oriented.

Evidence proves that I’ve had my share of lost opportunities. Times where I simply didn’t follow through. Not this time. Not now. Today I am in Asheville NC and I’ve spent almost three hours with Jonas Gerard and his staff at their studio buying a beautiful painting. I am headed home to hang it in my living room; Ivy would be so pleased. Living and working in an engaging manner means following through on what we already know to do.

Leave your comments: When have you followed through on an important commitment in your work or personal life? What was the result?